What does one do to smooth out a lumpy or rutted lawn. I myself on a lumpy older lawn use a large roller and aerate. Sometimes it smooths it out but most of the time there is not much of a difference. Some people insist on having it done. I know alot of people on this site frown at rolling. What are you doing when someone says they want a smoother lawn without having to start with a fresh yard.

ed2hess

02-13-2006, 06:11 PM

Why not topdress it with new soil and level with rakes? Some types of grass like Bermuda will fill in but if you have other types you reseed.

PSUturf

02-13-2006, 11:14 PM

About the only time rolling will smooth a lawn is when the soil is saturated. This will lead to: compacted soil, poor water infiltration, restricted rooting, fertilizer runoff. Don't do it. Topdressing with a similar type of soil and then dragging or raking it in will help. Core aeration followed by verticutting is also helpful. Either of these methods would create a good seebed so spread some seed at the same time.